Saints see off doughty Demons

Undefeated St Kilda was given a surprising test by lowly Melbourne before claiming a 37-point win at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

The Saints held only an eight-point lead at the long change before keeping the last-placed Demons goalless in the second half to run out 11.17 (83) to 6.10 (46) victors in front of a disappointing crowd of just over 9,000.

The ladder-leaders, reputable for their relentless tackling and intensity this season were matched by a desperate Melbourne side in the first half.

The contest never really reached great heights after the main break with St Kilda failing to land the knock-out blow and the Demon's lack of polish hurting them, especially in front of goal.

St Kilda uncharacteristically did not take advantage of numerous inside 50s (44) while Melbourne's atrocious skills produced only four points in the second half - the second time this year the Dees have gone without a major after half-time.

The Saints now move to 10-0, equalling the club's longest winning streak from 2004.

The indomitable Lenny Hayes was the star again for the Saints with 34 disposals along with usual suspects Nick Dal Santo (30), Leigh Montagna (28) and Farren Ray (24).

Nick Riewoldt was not at his best but still managed to kick four goals with Brendan Goddard bagging two goals to go with his 29 touches and nine marks.

Melbourne veterans Brad Green, Cameron Bruce and Brock McLean set the example early for young prospects Addam Maric and Jamie Bennell.

But the Demons' deficiencies were there for all to see, their poor decision making once again not matching their gallant efforts at ground level.

It's a fundamental human yearning to be a part of something bigger than one's self, and maybe that's what drove my mate Ash to die, far from home, in a bloody foreign war against Islamic State, writes C August Elliott.